Kirsten DiChiappari, Center Director
With more than a decade in human resources management, Kirsten manages
the daily operations of our Wellness Center and works with businesses to aid
them in the quest for workplace wellness. Kirsten is a member of the East Bay
Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is affiliated with Women Ending
Hunger at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and the Wellness Committee
for the Bristol Warren Regional School District.
Lisa Cadan, Marketing Director
Lisa has more than 15 years experience in marketing, advertising,
communications and event planning for nonprofit organizations, start-ups,
publishing, retail and consumer products. Lisa holds a BFA from Tufts University.
Jen Morin, Pilates/Corporate Fitness Director
MS, RCEP, CDE, MS, FMS Certified Specialist.
A Warren, RI native, Jen has been involved in health and fitness for the last 15
years. Starting as a competitive swimmer, Jen was captain of the University of
Connecticut swim team and won Big East & ECAC titles in the 100 yard butterfly.
After graduating from UCONN, she pursued a master's degree in Clinical
Exercise Physiology from Northeastern University and continued on to work in
Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Diabetes Education. Jen is a Certified
Diabetes Educator, Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist, a STOTT certified
Pilates instructor, a certified Spinning instructor, is certified by the American
College of Sports Medicine as a Health Fitness Instructor and Exercise Specialist,
and a certified specialist in the Functional Movement Screen (FMS).
Emily Gedney, Nutrition Director
Registered Dietitian (RD)
Emily is a born and raised Rhode Islander, she graduated from Johnson & Wales
University with a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Nutrition. Emily completed a
dietetic internship and graduate work at Keene State College in New Hampshire.
Personal struggles with weight issues throughout high school and college lead
Emily straight into the field of nutrition. She is passionate about helping others
meet their wellness goals and she strives to provide health and nutrition
information that is easy to understand and simple to incorporate into any lifestyle.
Her experience as a trained chef is frequently showcased in our cooking
demonstrations, weekly e-newsletters and taste tests.
Clare Connelly, Certified Pilates Instructor
PhysicalMind Institute Certified
After trying Pilates three years ago to help with posture and lower back issues,
Clare was hooked. Pilates improved her posture and relieved lower back issues
due to pregnancy and wear and tear from high school basketball and then
collegiate basketball for Colby College (where she was captain for 2 years). With
this newfound love for Pilates she decided that it would be a great blend of her
two passions: teaching (she holds a degree in education) and athletics. Clare
completed her Mat and Standing Pilates certification through Physical Mind
Institute and her Concentration 101 training which includes all Pilates apparatus.
Karen Ortiz, Certified Pilates Instructor
PhysicalMind Institute Certified, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Apprentice in
the Gyrotonic Expansion System
With over 10 years of experience in body work, Karen is a graduate of the
Muscular Therapy Institute and nationally certified massage therapist, certified
refexologist and Physicalmind certified Pilates instructor. With her start in
massage therapy, Karen then trained as a fitness instructor where she had her
first experience with Pilates and was immediately captivated. The instant
improvement she experienced in her posture gave her the motivation to become
an instructor and she strives to give her clients the same power and knowledge of
their own bodies.
Karen has continued to expand her bodywork training in Gyrotonic and Active
Isolated Stretching. Karen has trained with Gyrotonic Master Trainer Kathy Van
Patten in Boston & NYC. Karen has also had the pleasure of working directly with
Aaron Mattes the pioneer in the Active Isolated Stretching method, and has
assisted master trainer Marjorie Brooks with AIS seminars in New England
Erin Ward, Certified Pilates Instructor
Polestar Pilates Certified
A Bristol native, Erin also lived in Florida where she owned and operated a
personal training business specializing in fitness for women. Erin's 10 years of
teaching experience also includes yoga, muscle conditioning, aerobics, stability
ball, and senior fitness.
Gerri Feldman, Yoga Instructor
Gerri is a native of NYC who originally came to RI to study Art. Falling in love with
the area, Gerri raised her family here and taught Art to students in Tiverton. A fan
of movement, she is also a painter and a swimmer. She has practiced yoga for
more than 20 years, training with masters Baron Baptiste, Alyssa Sullivan, and
Anna Forrest. Gerri brings her personal passion for yoga to her students,
emphasizing the things that she has gleaned over the years: patience, humility,
serenity and absolutely no judgment.
Debbie Gedney, Yoga & Tai Chi Instructor
Deb Gedney has been in the group exercise fitness industry for 23 years and is a
Certified Group Exercise, Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi instructor. Teaching diverse
populations in various communities, as well as working as a Registered Nurse at
Newport Hospital in the Operating Room, has led to a wide range of friendships
and experiences. Deb is also an avid gardener who runs a very successful stand
called "Three Sisters Veggies" from her home.
Melissa Goldstein, Tykes & Kids Yoga Instructor
A graduate of Wheelock College, Melissa spends her days as an Alternative
Education Program Coordinator at Cape Cod Collaborative. Right before the birth
of her second child, Melissa also became certified in Itsy Bitsy Yoga. Fostering a
desire to bring wellness to both adults and children, Melissa’s classes bring yoga
to all ages. In our Tykes program, Melissa guides young children and caregivers
together through an interactive, heartwarming yoga class. In our Kids program,
parents rave about the daily stressors and challenges that each child is able to
leave on the mat. Everyone sleeps better after a yoga class with Melissa!
Tracie Kedzierski, Pilates Mat Instructor
Tracie is a certified Pilate Mat instructor, certified in Power Pilates Beginner and
Intermediate Mat Training. She has been practicing Pilates for 3.5 years, receiving
instruction in both the Power Pilates and Stott Pilates methods. Tracie holds a B.
S. Degree in Health Care Management. After 20+ years of a successful business
career in health care, personnel recruiting and real estate, she has switched
gears. Tracie is now dedicated to teaching Pilates, continuing her Pilates
education, and most importantly sharing the many benefits she’s gained from her
practice with her clients.
Christine Reed, Yoga Instructor
Christine brings more than 11 years combined of yoga practice and professional
yoga instruction to our clients. Her practice is both meditative and athletic,
bridging the gap between fitness and yoga. Her non-intimidating teaching
approach helps students of all levels go beyond their mental or physical
limitations, opening the door to nourishing the soul and experiencing the freedom
of a strong body and peaceful mind. A former restaurateur, Christine also
continues to explore her culinary interests.
With more than a decade in human resources management, Kirsten manages
the daily operations of our Wellness Center and works with businesses to aid
them in the quest for workplace wellness. Kirsten is a member of the East Bay
Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is affiliated with Women Ending
Hunger at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and the Wellness Committee
for the Bristol Warren Regional School District.
Lisa Cadan, Marketing Director
Lisa has more than 15 years experience in marketing, advertising,
communications and event planning for nonprofit organizations, start-ups,
publishing, retail and consumer products. Lisa holds a BFA from Tufts University.
Jen Morin, Pilates/Corporate Fitness Director
MS, RCEP, CDE, MS, FMS Certified Specialist.
A Warren, RI native, Jen has been involved in health and fitness for the last 15
years. Starting as a competitive swimmer, Jen was captain of the University of
Connecticut swim team and won Big East & ECAC titles in the 100 yard butterfly.
After graduating from UCONN, she pursued a master's degree in Clinical
Exercise Physiology from Northeastern University and continued on to work in
Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Diabetes Education. Jen is a Certified
Diabetes Educator, Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist, a STOTT certified
Pilates instructor, a certified Spinning instructor, is certified by the American
College of Sports Medicine as a Health Fitness Instructor and Exercise Specialist,
and a certified specialist in the Functional Movement Screen (FMS).
Emily Gedney, Nutrition Director
Registered Dietitian (RD)
Emily is a born and raised Rhode Islander, she graduated from Johnson & Wales
University with a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Nutrition. Emily completed a
dietetic internship and graduate work at Keene State College in New Hampshire.
Personal struggles with weight issues throughout high school and college lead
Emily straight into the field of nutrition. She is passionate about helping others
meet their wellness goals and she strives to provide health and nutrition
information that is easy to understand and simple to incorporate into any lifestyle.
Her experience as a trained chef is frequently showcased in our cooking
demonstrations, weekly e-newsletters and taste tests.
Clare Connelly, Certified Pilates Instructor
PhysicalMind Institute Certified
After trying Pilates three years ago to help with posture and lower back issues,
Clare was hooked. Pilates improved her posture and relieved lower back issues
due to pregnancy and wear and tear from high school basketball and then
collegiate basketball for Colby College (where she was captain for 2 years). With
this newfound love for Pilates she decided that it would be a great blend of her
two passions: teaching (she holds a degree in education) and athletics. Clare
completed her Mat and Standing Pilates certification through Physical Mind
Institute and her Concentration 101 training which includes all Pilates apparatus.
Karen Ortiz, Certified Pilates Instructor
PhysicalMind Institute Certified, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Apprentice in
the Gyrotonic Expansion System
With over 10 years of experience in body work, Karen is a graduate of the
Muscular Therapy Institute and nationally certified massage therapist, certified
refexologist and Physicalmind certified Pilates instructor. With her start in
massage therapy, Karen then trained as a fitness instructor where she had her
first experience with Pilates and was immediately captivated. The instant
improvement she experienced in her posture gave her the motivation to become
an instructor and she strives to give her clients the same power and knowledge of
their own bodies.
Karen has continued to expand her bodywork training in Gyrotonic and Active
Isolated Stretching. Karen has trained with Gyrotonic Master Trainer Kathy Van
Patten in Boston & NYC. Karen has also had the pleasure of working directly with
Aaron Mattes the pioneer in the Active Isolated Stretching method, and has
assisted master trainer Marjorie Brooks with AIS seminars in New England
Erin Ward, Certified Pilates Instructor
Polestar Pilates Certified
A Bristol native, Erin also lived in Florida where she owned and operated a
personal training business specializing in fitness for women. Erin's 10 years of
teaching experience also includes yoga, muscle conditioning, aerobics, stability
ball, and senior fitness.
Gerri Feldman, Yoga Instructor
Gerri is a native of NYC who originally came to RI to study Art. Falling in love with
the area, Gerri raised her family here and taught Art to students in Tiverton. A fan
of movement, she is also a painter and a swimmer. She has practiced yoga for
more than 20 years, training with masters Baron Baptiste, Alyssa Sullivan, and
Anna Forrest. Gerri brings her personal passion for yoga to her students,
emphasizing the things that she has gleaned over the years: patience, humility,
serenity and absolutely no judgment.
Debbie Gedney, Yoga & Tai Chi Instructor
Deb Gedney has been in the group exercise fitness industry for 23 years and is a
Certified Group Exercise, Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi instructor. Teaching diverse
populations in various communities, as well as working as a Registered Nurse at
Newport Hospital in the Operating Room, has led to a wide range of friendships
and experiences. Deb is also an avid gardener who runs a very successful stand
called "Three Sisters Veggies" from her home.
Melissa Goldstein, Tykes & Kids Yoga Instructor
A graduate of Wheelock College, Melissa spends her days as an Alternative
Education Program Coordinator at Cape Cod Collaborative. Right before the birth
of her second child, Melissa also became certified in Itsy Bitsy Yoga. Fostering a
desire to bring wellness to both adults and children, Melissa’s classes bring yoga
to all ages. In our Tykes program, Melissa guides young children and caregivers
together through an interactive, heartwarming yoga class. In our Kids program,
parents rave about the daily stressors and challenges that each child is able to
leave on the mat. Everyone sleeps better after a yoga class with Melissa!
Tracie Kedzierski, Pilates Mat Instructor
Tracie is a certified Pilate Mat instructor, certified in Power Pilates Beginner and
Intermediate Mat Training. She has been practicing Pilates for 3.5 years, receiving
instruction in both the Power Pilates and Stott Pilates methods. Tracie holds a B.
S. Degree in Health Care Management. After 20+ years of a successful business
career in health care, personnel recruiting and real estate, she has switched
gears. Tracie is now dedicated to teaching Pilates, continuing her Pilates
education, and most importantly sharing the many benefits she’s gained from her
practice with her clients.
Christine Reed, Yoga Instructor
Christine brings more than 11 years combined of yoga practice and professional
yoga instruction to our clients. Her practice is both meditative and athletic,
bridging the gap between fitness and yoga. Her non-intimidating teaching
approach helps students of all levels go beyond their mental or physical
limitations, opening the door to nourishing the soul and experiencing the freedom
of a strong body and peaceful mind. A former restaurateur, Christine also
continues to explore her culinary interests.
Meet Our Staff Of Professionals
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| Bristol, RI 02809 (Next to Bristol Total Fitness) 401-396-9331 |
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About Us/Staff